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US State Department updates visa waiver policy
This policy update replaces the previous Interview Waiver Update issued on December 21, 2023.
File photo. / Reuters
The U.S. Department of State has updated the eligibility criteria for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers, expanding the categories of applicants who may be exempt from in-person interviews.
The revision, made under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h), allows consular officers greater discretion in waiving interviews for qualified applicants.
According to the updated guidelines, applicants who may now qualify for an interview waiver include individuals under the following visa categories:
- A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials)
- G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1
- Applicants for diplomatic or official visas
- Individuals who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to their new application
To be eligible, applicants must also meet additional requirements, including applying in their country of nationality or residence, having no prior visa refusals (unless overcome or waived), and possessing no apparent ineligibility.
Despite these expanded criteria, consular officers retain the authority to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or due to local conditions. The State Department advises applicants to check the websites of U.S. embassies and consulates for the latest visa application requirements, procedures, and operational updates.
This policy update replaces the previous Interview Waiver Update issued on Dec.21, 2023.
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